NANTICOKE -- Talks at a meeting of the pope and bishops in the Catholic Church is drawing worldwide attention and surprise as they discuss issues, including the further acceptance of gay and divorced Catholics.
Halfway through the conference, a report from their discussions is calling for a "more merciful approach."
It is a two-week meeting of bishops and the pope at the Vatican meant to discuss family issues that observers have called a "pastoral earthquake."
From the possibility of allowing the use of birth control, to being more open to unmarried couples living together, to becoming more welcoming to divorced and gay Catholics.
It comes months after Pope Francis said "who am I to judge" homosexuals.
In a report on the meeting's progress, the organizers said homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer the Christian community.
At an event to raise awareness and acceptance for the gay community at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, some students agree.
"In the LGBT community, we're not trying to judge others. It's more the other way, we try to accept everyone," said Pride Fest organizer Robert Antolik.
News of further acceptance in the Catholic Church is well received at Pride Fest at LCCC.
"I think it's wonderful because it's opening eyes."
"I think change is going to be a better thing for the Catholic Church and everything. If you open up to more possibilities, it will make yourself better along with the community," said LCCC student Brendan McCabe.
This is an event all about the acceptance of others and they're not only seeing that in the Catholic Church, but in society as a whole, and they say that is a good thing.
"It's a cool atmosphere because everyone values the same sort of thing: equality," said LCCC student Angelina Rovinski.
There's a whole week of Pride fest activities at LCCC, a celebration of sorts of greater acceptance, even from some at the Vatican.
"To be able to support something that I firmly believe in, it's amazing," said LCCC student Todd Hawe.
The Vatican issued a statement Tuesday to clarify the report coming out of those meetings of the pope and bishops saying that these are just discussions and not any final decisions.
The meetings have also made it very clear that while a tone might change, church teachings and rules themselves would not be altered.